Milos Raonic, John Isner to Play Doubles Together in Indian Wells

Returners beware! Two of tennis' best servers will be doubles partners at the first Masters 1000 event of the season next month in Indian Wells, as Milos Raonic and John Isner will enter the doubles draw together.
Two of tennis’ biggest servers will be teaming up at the season’s first ATP Masters 1000 event. American John Isner and Canada’s Milos Raonic will be playing doubles next month in Indian Wells.

Returners Beware

Isner and Raonic boast two of the biggest serves in the modern game. In 2012, Raonic struck what is now the fifth fastest serve in tennis history at 155.3 MPH, while Isner ranks not far behind at 11th with 149.9 MPH. Both men rely on their massive serves to win singles matches, and have ridden their serves to the edge of the top ten. Isner is currently ranked 11th, with Raonic not far behind at 13th.

Since Raonic broke onto the tour in 2011, he and Isner have been battling for the title of best server in the world, along with Ivo Karlovic. Isner and Raonic finished first and second in total aces in 2012 and 2013, with Isner edging Raonic both times, by as little as three aces (in 2012).
The pairing of Raonic and Isner is a terrifying prospect for any opponent. There will be no easy return game for any opponents. Doubles is a game a quick strikes, and the Canadian/American pairing will have a monopoly on short points. Opposing teams will have to take advantages of their few chances, or will have to bring their A-game to tiebreaks.

A Recipe for Success?

Both Raonic and Isner are primarily singles players, without a ton of experience in doubles. Isner has spent more times in doubles, actually winning three titles, although his last title came back in 2011. Raonic has reached one doubles final in his career, back in 2011 with Robin Haase in Halle.

Isner’s doubles success has always come with a big hitting opponent. Two of his three titles, along with all three of his Masters 1000 finals, came with fellow power-hitting American Sam Querrey.
Despite their relative lack of doubles success, both men have done well in the past in Indian Wells. Last year, Raonic claimed one of the biggest wins on his career over Rafael Nadal on route to the semifinals. Isner reached his first Masters 1000 final in California back in 2012, upsetting Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. If there is a venue where the men could do well, Indian Wells is a great choice.

Source: vevel.com